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News Release: Firearm Arrest 6/29/19

OXNARD POLICE DEPARTMENT

NEWS RELEASE

INCIDENT: Firearm Arrest
DATE/TIME: June 29, 2019 / 7:48 p.m.
LOCATION: 400 Block of Campbell Way, Oxnard
SUSPECT: Samuel Vargas, 18 year old Oxnard resident
PREPARED BY: Dale McAlpine, Sergeant
CONTACT PERSON AND  CONTACT INFO: Sergeant Dale McAlpine (805) 857-4655

[email protected]

  DETAILS:

On June 29, 2019, at approximately 7:48 p.m., officers from the Oxnard Police Department were patrolling the Southwinds Neighborhood in Oxnard. They contacted Samuel Vargas, an 18 year old Oxnard resident, sitting in a vehicle in the 400 Block of Campbell Way.

During the contact with Vargas, officers located a loaded handgun concealed under the driver’s seat Vargas was sitting in.  Vargas was placed under arrest and subsequently charged with felony possession of a loaded unregistered firearm and felony possession of a firearm while under the influence of a controlled substance.

In an effort to address the increase in firearms-related crimes, the Oxnard Police Department launched the Operation Safer and Stronger Initiative, as well as the Firearms Strike Team (FAST) led by the Violent Crimes Unit, to proactively remove firearms from prohibited persons within the city. The objective of this initiative and FAST is to reduce gun violence in Oxnard through education, intervention, and enforcement.

Anyone with information regarding criminal activity is encouraged to contact the Oxnard Police Department at (805) 385-7600, or online via the Oxnard Police Department’s website:  www.oxnardpd.org, and clicking on Report Suspicious Activity.   You can remain anonymous if you choose to do so.  You can remain anonymous by calling the Ventura County Crime Stoppers at (800) 222-8477. You can also visit this site: www.venturacountycrimestoppers.org to submit a tip via text or email.

  DATE / TIME PREPARED:  June 29, 2019 / 2145 hours

OXNARD POLICE DEPARTMENT

NEWS RELEASE

INCIDENT: Motorcycle Safety Enforcement
DATE: June 30, 2019
PREPARED BY: Jamie Brown, Senior Officer
CONTACT PERSON AND  CONTACT INFO: Jamie Brown, Senior Officer (805) 385-7749 [email protected]

DETAILS:

The Oxnard Police Department will be conducting motorcycle safety enforcement

The Oxnard Police Department encourages drivers and riders to share the road

The Oxnard Police Department will have extra officers out on patrol Sunday, June 30, 2019, between 11:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. looking for violations made by drivers and motorcyclists that increase the risk of crashes.

The motorcycle safety enforcement operation aims at educating both motorcyclists and drivers on the rules of the road.

Motorcycle fatalities have jumped dramatically in California over the past decade. In 2017, there were 576 people killed in motorcycle crashes statewide, up nearly 17 percent from 494 in 2015. Over the course of the past three years, motorcycle-involved collisions have resulted in four fatal and 118 injury crashes in Oxnard alone.

Drivers should be alert for motorcyclists, as many motorcycle crashes are caused when drivers do not see them. Check your mirrors and blind spots, especially when merging, turning, or changing lanes.

Riders should make themselves visible by wearing brightly colored, protective clothing and keeping lights on during the day. Riders should also change lanes only when there is enough room and always wear a Department of Transportation compliant helmet.

Although lane splitting is now legal, motorcyclists should be extra careful traveling between lanes, avoiding the practice of riding next to large vehicles like big rigs, buses and motorhomes, and factoring in lane width, traffic flow, and roadway conditions.

All motorcycle riders, regardless of skill level, are encouraged to enroll in the California Motorcyclist Safety Program. Information and training locations are available at http://www.californiamotorcyclist.com/  or calling 1-877 RIDE-411 (1-877-743-3411).

Funding for motorcycle safety enforcement operations are provided by a grant from the California Office of Traffic Safety, through the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.

DATE / TIME PREPARED:  June 28, 2019 / 2:00 p.m. 

OXNARD POLICE DEPARTMENT

NEWS RELEASE

INCIDENT: Bicycle and Pedestrian Safety Operation
DATE/TIME: June 30, 2019 /  7:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m.
PREPARED BY: Ricardo Vazquez, Sergeant
CONTACT PERSON AND  CONTACT INFO: Jamie Brown, Senior Officer (805) 385-7749  [email protected]

Bicycle and Pedestrian Safety Operation Planned for Oxnard

The Oxnard Police Department will take part in a bicycle and pedestrian safety enforcement operation aimed at educating bicyclists, drivers, and pedestrians on traffic laws, rules, and responsibilities.

On June 30, 2019, from 7:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m., officers will be looking for violations made by bicyclists, drivers, and pedestrians that put roadway users at risk. These violations include drivers speeding, making illegal turns, failing to yield to pedestrians in crosswalks, failing to stop for signs and signals or any other dangerous violation.

Officers will also look for pedestrians who cross the street illegally or fail to yield to drivers who have the right of way. Bike riders will be stopped when riding on the wrong side of the road, not complying with stop signs and signals, or other violation of the same traffic laws that apply to them as drivers.

Bicycle and pedestrian fatalities are rising at an alarming rate. In 2016, 138 bicyclists and 867 pedestrians were killed on California roads. Pedestrian fatalities are up nearly 33 percent from 2012, and the number of bicyclists killed is up nearly 25 percent over the past five years. In 2019, the Oxnard Police Department has investigated six fatal collisions and 65 injury collisions involving bicyclists and pedestrians.

People walking should only cross the street using crosswalks or intersections, preferably with a stop sign or signal. People on foot should also look for cars backing up and avoid darting between parked cars, make eye contact with drivers and wear bright clothing during the day and reflective materials or use a flashlight at night.

Drivers should wait for pedestrians to cross the street, avoid distractions like using a cell phone, and be courteous and patient. All bike riders are reminded to always wear a helmet; helmets are required by law for those under 18. Bike riders should always go with the flow of traffic, let faster traffic pass and use hand signals when turning or stopping.

The Oxnard Police Department supports the new OTS public awareness campaign, “Go Safely, California.” To find out more about ways to go safely, visit gosafelyca.org.

Funding for this program is provided by a grant from the California Office of Traffic Safety, through the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.

DATE / TIME PREPARED:  June 28, 2019 / 8:30 a.m. 

OXNARD POLICE DEPARTMENT

NEWS RELEASE

INCIDENT: Man Dies After Being Stabbed
DATE/TIME: June 24, 2019, 6:54 A.M.
LOCATION: 200 block of West Vineyard Avenue, Oxnard
VICTIM(S): White Male, 30-40 year old
SUSPECT(S): Unknown
PREPARED BY: Sergeant Scott Aaron (805) 385-7763 [email protected]
FOLLOW UP CONTACT PERSON AND  CONTACT INFO: Sergeant Scott Aaron (805) 385-7763 [email protected]   Commander Sharon Giles (805) 385-7620 [email protected]

DETAILS:

On June 24, 2019 at about 6:54 A.M., patrol officers from the Oxnard Police Department and Emergency Medical Services (EMS) responded to the 200 block of West Vineyard Avenue to check on a male subject seen walking through the complex covered in blood.  When officers arrived, they located a white male lying on the ground, bleeding from what appeared to be several stab wounds. Investigators are currently working to determine the victim’s identity. EMS began lifesaving measures and transported him by ambulance to the Ventura County Medical Center.  He was immediately taken into emergency surgery where he succumbed to his injuries.

Investigators believe there may have been an altercation in the carports in the area of 301 West Vineyard Avenue that led to this stabbing. Investigators are encouraging anyone who may have heard or seen anything to contact Detective Jake Jundef (805) 385-7680.  Investigators are also encouraging anyone who may have video recorded or photographed all or part of the incident, to upload your media directly to the investigators via the following link: https://oxnardpd.evidence.com/axon/citizen/public/200westvineyard. All submissions are immediately logged into the Oxnard Police Department’s digital evidence system.  Contact information is not stored by Axon and community members can remain anonymous, choosing to upload their files without providing contact information. 

The City of Oxnard offers a reward of $10,000 for information leading to the arrest and conviction of individuals responsible for committing homicides within the City.

Anyone with information regarding this case or other criminal activity is encouraged to contact the Oxnard Police Department at (805) 385-7600, or online via the Oxnard Police Department’s website: www.oxnardpd.org, and clicking on Report Suspicious Activity.  You can remain anonymous if you choose to do so. You can also remain anonymous by calling the Ventura County Crime Stoppers at (800) 222-8477. You can also visit this site: www.venturacountycrimestoppers.org to submit a tip via text or email.

DATE / TIME PREPARED: June 24, 2019, 11:50 A.M.

OXNARD POLICE DEPARTMENT

NEWS RELEASE

INCIDENT: Juvenile Gang Member Arrested for Firearm Possession
DATE/TIME: June 23, 2019 / 9:10 p.m.
LOCATION: 200 block Cuesta Del Mar, Oxnard CA. 93030
VICTIM(S): State of California
SUSPECT(S): 14-year-old, Oxnard resident
PREPARED BY: Martin Cook, Senior Officer

[email protected]

805-385-7600
CONTACT PERSON AND  CONTACT INFO: Christopher Williams, Commander

[email protected]

805-207-7234

DETAILS:

On June 23, at 9:00 p.m., officers from the Special Enforcement Unit (gang unit) were in the area of the 200 block of Cuesta Del Mar reference recent gang activity.  As officers attempted to contact a group of suspected gang members in the south alley, they began to flee from the officers.  One of the subjects, a 14-year-old Oxnard resident and documented criminal street gang member with several previous firearms related arrests, was seen placing a firearm on the tire of a vehicle that was parked along the side of Cuesta Del Mar.

The firearm, a loaded semi-automatic .25 caliber handgun, was recovered at the scene, and it was found that the serial number and all markings had been removed.   The 14-year-old was arrested and charged with numerous firearms violations.

The 14-year-old involved in this incident was previously arrested for an assault with a firearm upon another person, and under Senate Bill 439 all of the charges were dismissed.  Under Senate Bill 439, juveniles 12-years and under cannot be charged with criminal offenses other than murder, rape and serious sexual crimes.

The Oxnard Police Department’s Special Enforcement Unit is committed to reducing gang crimes and gun violence in the City of Oxnard through the strict enforcement of laws specifically targeting known, active gang members residing in the city.  Anyone with information regarding this case or other criminal activity is encouraged to contact the Oxnard Police Department at (805) 385-7600, or online via the Oxnard Police Department’s website:  www.oxnardpd.org, and clicking on Report Suspicious Activity.   You can remain anonymous if you choose to do so.  You can remain anonymous by calling the Ventura County Crime Stoppers at (800) 222-8477. You can also visit this site: www.venturacountycrimestoppers.org to submit a tip via text or email.

DATE / TIME PREPARED:  June 23, 2019 / 2200 hours

OXNARD POLICE DEPARTMENT

NEWS RELEASE

 

INCIDENT: DUI/Driver’s License Checkpoint Results
DATE/TIME: June 21, 2019  8:00 p.m. to 3:00 a.m.
LOCATION: City of Oxnard
PREPARED BY: Jamie Brown, Senior Officer
CONTACT PERSON AND  CONTACT INFO: Jamie Brown, Senior Officer (805) 385-7749

[email protected]

DUI Checkpoint Nets One DUI Arrest

The Oxnard Police Department Traffic Unit arrested one impaired driver while conducting a DUI/Driver’s license checkpoint on June 21, 2019.  The checkpoint was conducted on Oxnard Blvd. north of Glenwood Dr. between the hours of 8:00 p.m. and 3:00 a.m., resulting in the following:

  • 758 vehicles screened
  • 1 DUI-alcohol suspect arrested
  • 16 drivers cited for operating a vehicle unlicensed or while suspended/revoked
  • 21 citations issued
  • 1 vehicle towed

Checkpoints are placed in locations that have the greatest opportunity for achieving drunk and drugged driving deterrence and provide the greatest safety for officers and the public.

In recent years, California has seen a disturbing increase in drug-impaired driving crashes.  Oxnard PD supports the new effort from the Office of Traffic Safety that aims to educate all drivers that “DUI Doesn’t Just Mean Booze.”  If you take prescription drugs, particularly those with a driving or operating machinery warning on the label, you might be impaired enough to get a DUI.  Marijuana can also be impairing, especially in combination with alcohol or other drugs, and can result in a DUI.

Studies of California drivers have shown that 30 percent of drivers in fatal crashes had one or more drugs in their systems. A study of active drivers showed more tested positive for drugs that may impair driving (14 percent) than did for alcohol (7.3 percent).  Of the drugs, marijuana was most prevalent, at 7.4 percent, slightly more than alcohol.

Oxnard PD offers these reminders to ensure a fun night doesn’t get spoiled with a DUI:

  • Decide before you go out whether you plan to drink or drive. You can’t do both.
  • If you plan to drink, designate a sober driver before going out, or map out another way to get home safely by taking a cab, ride-share services like Uber or Lyft, or using public transportation. You can also look up designated driver services in your area using the National Directory of Designated Driver Services (NDDDS).
  • If you are a designated driver, bars and restaurants statewide have created non-alcoholic specialty drinks (“DDrinks”) for sober drivers: http://bit.ly/OTSDDrinks
  • If you happen to see a drunk driver on the road, call 911. Offer a description of the vehicle, location, and direction of travel.
  • See your friend or other patron impaired trying to get behind the wheel? Take the keys or help them make other arrangements to get where they are going safely.

Drivers caught driving impaired and charged with DUI can expect the impact of a DUI arrest to be approximately $13,500. This includes fines, fees, DUI classes, license suspension, and other expenses not to mention possible jail time.

The checkpoint was funded by a grant from the California Office of Traffic Safety, through the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.

Whether by bike, car, motorcycle, or walking, the Oxnard Police Department encourages everyone to be a part of the solution and ‘Go Safely California.’

DATE / TIME PREPARED:  June 22, 2019 / 3:15 a.m.

/32004-2/

OXNARD POLICE DEPARTMENT

NEWS RELEASE

NEWS RELEASE

INCIDENT: Motorcycle Safety Enforcement
DATE: June 23, 2019
PREPARED BY: Jamie Brown, Senior Officer
CONTACT PERSON AND  CONTACT INFO: Jamie Brown, Senior Officer (805) 385-7749 [email protected]

DETAILS:

The Oxnard Police Department will be conducting a specialized Motorcycle Safety Enforcement Operation on Sunday, June 23, 2019, in an effort to lower deaths and injuries.  Extra officers will be on-duty patrolling areas frequented by motorcyclists and where motorcycle crashes occur.  Officers will be looking for violations made by drivers and riders alike that can lead to motorcycle crashes.  They will be cracking down on both those operating regular vehicles and motorcycles that are violating traffic safety laws.

Motorcycle fatalities jumped dramatically in California by over 28 percent from a decade low of 352 in 2010.  In 2013, 453 motorcyclists lost their lives, which is at a five year high.  California collision data reveals that primary causes of motorcycle-involved crashes include speeding, unsafe turning, and impairment due to alcohol and other drugs by both riders and drivers alike. 

Operations like this are aimed at curbing any more rises in motorcycle deaths and sending the numbers back downward.  Over the course of the past three years, motorcycle-involved collisions have resulted in four fatalities and 93 injury crashes in Oxnard alone.

Safety tips for riders – See and Be Seen:

  • Use your lane position to increase visibility; change lanes only when there is ample room
  • Match your speed to surrounding traffic
  • Always wear a DOT-compliant helmet and brightly colored, protective clothing
  • Ride with lights on during daylight hours

Safety tips for drivers – Share the Road:

  • Look twice for motorcyclists, especially when entering the roadway, turning, or changing lanes
  • Motorcyclist are allowed in HOV lanes unless prohibited by signage

Riders are urged to get training through the California Motorcyclist Safety Program. Information and training locations are available at http://www.californiamotorcyclist.com/  or 1-877 RIDE 411 (1-877-743-3411).

Funding for this program is provided by a grant from the California Office of Traffic Safety through the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. The message to all drivers and motorcyclists is: share in the responsibility and do your part by safely “sharing the road.” 

DATE / TIME PREPARED:  June 21, 2019 / 4:00 p.m. 

OXNARD POLICE DEPARTMENT

NEWS RELEASE

INCIDENT: Bicycle and Pedestrian Safety Operation
DATE/TIME: June 23, 2019 /  7:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m.
PREPARED BY: Ricardo Vazquez, Sergeant
CONTACT PERSON AND  CONTACT INFO: Jamie Brown, Senior Officer

(805) 385-7749  [email protected]

Bicycle and Pedestrian Safety Operation Planned for Oxnard

The Oxnard Police Department will take part in a bicycle and pedestrian safety enforcement operation aimed at educating bicyclists, drivers, and pedestrians on traffic laws, rules, and responsibilities.

On June 23, 2019, from 7:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m., officers will be looking for violations made by bicyclists, drivers, and pedestrians that put roadway users at risk. These violations include drivers speeding, making illegal turns, failing to yield to pedestrians in crosswalks, failing to stop for signs and signals or any other dangerous violation.

Officers will also look for pedestrians who cross the street illegally or fail to yield to drivers who have the right of way. Bike riders will be stopped when riding on the wrong side of the road, not complying with stop signs and signals, or other violation of the same traffic laws that apply to them as drivers.

Bicycle and pedestrian fatalities are rising at an alarming rate. In 2016, 138 bicyclists and 867 pedestrians were killed on California roads. Pedestrian fatalities are up nearly 33 percent from 2012, and the number of bicyclists killed is up nearly 25 percent over the past five years. In 2019, the Oxnard Police Department has investigated six fatal collisions and 61 injury collisions involving bicyclists and pedestrians.

People walking should only cross the street using crosswalks or intersections, preferably with a stop sign or signal. People on foot should also look for cars backing up and avoid darting between parked cars, make eye contact with drivers and wear bright clothing during the day and reflective materials or use a flashlight at night.

Drivers should wait for pedestrians to cross the street, avoid distractions like using a cell phone, and be courteous and patient. All bike riders are reminded to always wear a helmet; helmets are required by law for those under 18. Bike riders should always go with the flow of traffic, let faster traffic pass and use hand signals when turning or stopping.

The Oxnard Police Department supports the new OTS public awareness campaign, “Go Safely, California.” To find out more about ways to go safely, visit gosafelyca.org.

Funding for this program is provided by a grant from the California Office of Traffic Safety, through the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.

DATE / TIME PREPARED:  June 21, 2019 / 4:00 p.m.

OXNARD POLICE DEPARTMENT

NEWS RELEASE

INCIDENT:Shooting Prompts SWAT response; Arrest of Oxnard resident
DATE/TIME:June 20, 2019, 9:24 A.M.
LOCATION:1400 block of South Victoria Avenue, Oxnard
VICTIM(S):Various
SUSPECT(S):Samuel Sapiens, 21  year old, Oxnard Resident
PREPARED BY:Sergeant Scott Aaron (805) 385-7763[email protected]
FOLLOW UP CONTACT PERSON AND  CONTACT INFO:Sergeant Scott Aaron (805) [email protected]

DETAILS:

On June 20, 2019, at approx. 9:24 A.M., patrol officers from the Oxnard Police Department responded to the 1400 block of South Victoria Avenue after numerous calls were received about shots being fired in the residential neighborhood. As officers were knocking on the front door of an apartment in an attempt to investigate where the shots were coming from, a 21-year-old resident, later identified as Samuel Sapiens, began firing out his apartment window. The gunfire struck and shattered the front window of an Oxnard Police unit parked at the scene. While officers were setting up the perimeter, they were told that the suspect had access to an assault rifle.

Further investigation determined that Sapiens had fired several rounds prior to officers arriving which struck an apartment complex across the street on Leeward Avenue, penetrating the exterior and interior walls. An 18-year-old female was home at the time and was unharmed.

The Oxnard Police Department’s Special Weapons and Tactics (SWAT) team responded along with the Crisis Negotiations Unit (CNT).  During the standoff, CNT contacted Sapiens by telephone. The negotiators spoke with Sapiens for approximately forty-five (45) minutes and were able to convince the suspect to surrender peacefully.  There were no injuries during this incident.

Officers recovered numerous firearms from the residence. The firearms were registered to the brother of Samuel Sapiens.

Samuel Sapiens was booked for 245(d)(1) P.C. Assaults on a Police Officer with a Firearm and 246 P.C. Shooting at an Inhabited Dwelling.

During the incident, residents in the area who were registered with the VC Alert Emergency Notification System received a notification to shelter in place. They were advised to stay inside and close all doors and windows until the situation was resolved. The VC Alert system delivers time-sensitive emergency alerts to residents when there is a threat to health and safety. To find out more information regarding the VC Alert system  or to register for time-sensitive emergency alerts visit: https://www.readyventuracounty.org/vc-alert/

Investigators are encouraging anyone who may have video recorded or photographed all or part of the incident, to upload your media directly to the investigators via the following link: https://oxnardpd.evidence.com/axon/citizen/public/victoriaave. All submissions are immediately logged into the Oxnard Police Department’s digital evidence system.  Contact information is not stored by Axon and community members can remain anonymous, choosing to upload their files without providing contact information.  

Investigators are asking the public to come forward if anyone has witnessed this incident. The public is asked to contact Detective Michael Velasquez (805) 385-8287.

Anyone with information regarding this case or other criminal activity is encouraged to contact the Oxnard Police Department at (805) 385-7600, or online via the Oxnard Police Department’s website: www.oxnardpd.org, and clicking on Report Suspicious Activity.  You can remain anonymous if you choose to do so. You can also remain anonymous by calling the Ventura County Crime Stoppers at (800) 222-8477. You can also visit this site: www.venturacountycrimestoppers.org to submit a tip via text or email.
DATE / TIME PREPARED: June 20, 2019, 4:00 P.M.

  • Samuel Sapiens

OXNARD POLICE DEPARTMENT

NEWS RELEASE

INCIDENT: DUI/Driver’s License Checkpoint
DATE/TIME: June 21, 2019  8:00 p.m. to 3:00 a.m.
PREPARED BY: Jamie Brown, Senior Officer
CONTACT PERSON AND  CONTACT INFO: Jamie Brown, Senior Officer (805) 385-7749 [email protected]

DETAILS:

DUI/Driver’s License Checkpoint Planned this Friday

The Oxnard Police Department will be conducting a DUI/Driver’s license checkpoint on Friday, June 21, 2019, at an undisclosed location within the city limits between the hours of 8:00 p.m. to 3:00 a.m.  

DUI checkpoints are placed in locations based on collision statistics and frequency of DUI arrests. Officers will be looking for signs of alcohol and/or drug impairment, with officers checking drivers for proper licensing.

The Oxnard Police Department reminds drivers that “DUI Doesn’t Just Mean Booze.”  If you take prescription drugs, particularly those with a driving or operating machinery warning on the label, you might be impaired enough to get a DUI. Marijuana can also be impairing, especially in combination with alcohol or other drugs, and can result in a DUI.

The Oxnard Police Department offers these reminders to ensure you have a safe night of fun that doesn’t involve a DUI:

  • Always use a designated sober driver – a friend who is not drinking, ride-share, cab or public transportation – to get home.
  • See someone who is clearly impaired try and drive? Take the keys and help them make other arrangements to find a sober way home.
  • Report drunk drivers – Call 911.
  • Hosting a party? Offer nonalcoholic drinks. Monitor who are drinking and how they are getting home.

Getting home safely is cheap, but getting a DUI is not! Drivers caught driving impaired and charged with DUI can expect the impact of a DUI arrest to be upwards of $13,500. This includes fines, fees, DUI classes, license suspension, and other expenses not to mention possible jail time.

Funding for this checkpoint is provided to the Oxnard Police Department by a grant from the California Office of Traffic Safety, through the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.